By Ryan Dombal on March 23, 2009 at 12:20 p.m. EDT

Of course, Billy Corgan is the most important catalyst behind the Smashing Pumpkins sound. But right behind him is drummer Jimmy Chamberlin, who did a lot to define the band's style with his kinetic, dexterous stick work through the years. Want proof? Just go back to 1998's Adore-- the only Pumpkins record without Chamberlin-- and realize how it sounds like a completely different band. (Granted, the Pumpkins' 2007 comeback album Zeitgeist did feature the drummer and was an utter failure, but at least it tried for that classic Pumpkins sound.)

Anyway, long story short, Chamberlin is no longer in the band.

A press release sent says he "has left the group" and that "Corgan will continue to write and record as the Smashing Pumpkins with plans to head into the studio this spring," which leads us to believe Chamberlin wanted to get off the ride with at least some of his dignity intact.